Closing Banquet is always a bittersweet event for me—it’s full of dancing, great food, entertainment and some great prizes (that’s what our Scrapbook Spa winners would definitely say!), but it also means Convention is drawing to a close. I’m always a little sad to bid it farewell.
But this year’s banquet was a perfect ending to a fabulous three days together. During dinner, my team surprised me with a painted-in-minutes portrait by world renowned Art Explosion painter Michael Ostaski. It was incredible to watch my face emerge from what appeared to be random paint spatters! We were treated to the down-home hilarity of Anita Renfroe, back by popular demand. I think I laughed so hard I cried!
Finally, we had our traditional left-right game where winners pocketed an entire gift bag of stamp sets, then Wii partied (get it, “Wii”?) by dancing until they turned the lights out on us. After just one dance, I moved outside to mingle with Consultants and to take some photos.
Even though it’s late at night and we’re all exhausted from a week of craziness, I absolutely love this tradition of meeting Consultants one-on-one. I am continually awed, amazed, and inspired by your goodness, your genuineness, and your heart. I love hearing your stories and pausing for just a moment to share a photo. To the hundreds of you who waited literally hours in line, I hope you know that you have my deepest admiration and gratitude. Your sweet comments were the absolute pinnacle of a perfect event.
What do you say we do this again next year? If you were in DC, then you already know why Disneyland 2011 is a must (It’s slated for July 14-16, with Leadership day on July 13). If you haven’t discovered Convention yet, let me promise you that next year’s event will pack even more fun, creativity, giveaways, inspiration, business ideas, and yes... more than a few unforgettable moments!
looks like a lovely time, i am a jr consultant after moving to a new state, so I hope to get my business back up and going soon, so i can attend next year!! I have loved CTMH for over 4 years...
ReplyDeleteconvention was a blast. I am super disappointed that you are not opening up the scrapbook retreat to consultants. We want to come and I am very sad to not get to participate this year. What would it hurt to let us come..yes we will all still go to convention next year ..do not worry. I'll bet at least 200 will sign up if you let us. It really is my favorite event. Suzie
ReplyDeleteThis was my first convention and I had so much fun!!! Jeanette you sure know how to throw a party! My hubby was one of the few guys that attended the closing banquet and guess what? He was the winner of the left right game. lol.I can't wait for Anaheim.
ReplyDeleteJeanette,
ReplyDeleteI have been at every convention since I joined Close to my Heart 6 years ago. When I wasn't sure I would be able to go to Washington DC, I felt sick. I can't imagine not being with all of my CTMH sisters at these wonderful, uplifting events.
I would wish for only one thing, My husband Gary has attended every year with me, and I would love to see David do a class of sorts with the husbands, on ways to support and grow the business from the male perspective!
Bless you for bringing so many wonder sisters together!
Fondly,
Carol Gomes
This was my first convention to attend -- and I'm hooked more than ever now and can't imagine NOT going in the future. I've already made hotel reservation at DisneyLand Hotel and will be waiting for Dollars to Disney to open on Tuesday, August 3rd (which is a GREAT day anyway cuz it's my dad's birthday)!
ReplyDeleteWhile I, too, am sad that I wasn't a lucky one chosen for the retreat -- that was a GREAT challenge to pump me up to make sure I met the $2,000 in sales!
Thanks to you and all of the Corporate staff for putting on an AMAZING event!
Jeanette,
ReplyDeleteI have been a consultant for 2 and a bit years and have sat glued to the updates during Convention for the past 2 years.
My husband and I have already booked our room for 2011 our kids don't know yet, be we are coming to Cali!
I am trying to stay calm as it is a year away - but I am like a kid in a toy store!
I will be signing up for $ to Disney on Tuesday and look forward to a year of fun leading up to the big days at Convention! I would love to attend Leadership, but right now am only a Supervisor - I have big plans to change that!
Thanks for all you and your staff do!
See you next year:)
Kim